ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Culture
Union Tourism & Culture Minister G Kishen Reddy inaugurates various amenities at Kanheri Caves on the occasion of Buddha Purnima
"Preserving and nurturing our rich cultural heritage is the moral responsibility of every citizen" says the Minister
Mumbai | 16 May 2022
The Union Minister for Tourism, Culture and Development of the North Eastern Region  Shri G Kishan Reddy today inaugurated various tourist amenities at the Kanheri Caves located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park near Borivali.
“Kanheri caves are part of our ancient heritage as they provide evidence of evolution and our past. It is a privilege to inaugurate the works that have been carried out on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. Buddha‘s message is relevant even today in addressing challenges such as conflict and climate change ” said the Minister.
Shri Reddy added that it is the moral responsibility of every citizen to show interest and take responsibility for the preservation and preservation of our rich historical heritage.
The Minister further said that Public-private partnerships, corporates and Civil Society organizations play an important role in protecting, preserving and propagating our heritage so that future generations can access these treasures.
The Indian Oil Foundation is involved in providing upgraded Tourist Infrastructure Facilities at Kanheri as part of MoU it has signed with the Archaeological Survey of India.
The existing buildings such as the visitor pavilion, custodian quarter, booking office have been up-graded and refurbished. The area from booking counter to custodian quarter has been beautified through landscaping.
As the caves fall in the core area of the forest, electricity and water supply are not available. However, arrangements for electricity has been made available through solar energy sources.
To facilitate visitor's engagement and facilitation an Interpretation Centre has been set up highlighting outstanding features and uniqueness of principal caves with the help of eleven illustrative panels. The trail map of Kanheri is another important feature which helps visitors to save time. The Archaeological Survey of India is also working on 3D virtual tour of the entire monastic complex.
Kanheri Caves are a group of caves and rock-cut monuments cut into a massive basalt outcrop in the forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in the western outskirts of Mumbai.
They contain Buddhist sculptures and relief carvings, paintings and inscriptions, dating from the 1st century CE to the 10th century CE. The scale and extent of excavations, with its numerous water cisterns, epigraphs, one of the oldest dams, a stupa burial gallery and excellent rainwater harvesting system, indicate its popularity as a monastic and pilgrim centre.
Kanheri flourished under the patronage of Satavahana, Traikutakas, Vakatakas and Silaharas and through donations made by the wealthy merchants of the region.

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Ministry of Women and Child Development
SWADHAR GREH AND UJJAWALA SCHEMES
Government implements Ujjawala Scheme for prevention of trafficking and rescue, rehabilitation and re-integration of victims of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation. Swadhar Greh Scheme caters to primary needs of women in difficult circumstances. Ujjawala and Swadhar Greh Schemes have been evaluated by the NITI Aayog. The major recommendations of this evaluation inter alia include integration of Swadhar Grehs and Ujjawala Homes, revision of the salary norms of the staff and use of information technology tools in the implementation of the Schemes. These schemes are now part of the new Mission Shakti, which has life cycle continuum approach to women related issues. The recommendations have been duly incorporated in Mission Shakti.
Both the schemes have provisions of shelter, food, clothing, counseling, medical aid, legal aid and vocational training to rehabilitate such women economically and emotionally. The schemes have provisions for trained staff and professionals for providing counseling and vocational training. A phased approach is adopted for re-integration into the society by way of establishing Half-Way Home which is a home within the community, where a group of victims, ready for reintegration, live and work out of this place. To ensure proper implementation, Schemes have provisions for monitoring at District, State and Central levels.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Communications
Pension Adalat for postal pensioners under Mumbai Region on 15th March
Mumbai, 10 February 2021
The Postmaster General, Mumbai Region, Mumbai will be holding Pension Adalat for Pensioners / Family pensioners of Department of Posts who are retired or taking pension from office under Mumbai Region on Monday March 15th 2021 at 11.00 Hours in the Office of The Postmaster General, Mumbai Region, Mumbai GPO Building, Mumbai-400 001.
Pensioners may send their Applications for Pension Adalat addressed to: The Sr. Accounts Officer, O/o The Postmaster General, Mumbai Region, GPO Building, Mumbai - 400 001 so as to reach on or before 20th Feb-2021 in the proforma given below. The application received after 20th Feb-2021 will not be considered in the Pension Adalat. Cases involving legal issues, grievances involving policy matters will not be considered in Pension Adalat.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister pays tributes to the freedom fighters who took part in the Quit India Movement
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to the freedom fighters who took part in the Quit India Movement. Shri Modi said that under the leadership of Gandhi Ji, Quit India Movement played a major role in freeing India from colonial rule. Shri Modi also shared his thought through a video message on this occasion.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
“Tributes to the greats who took part in the Quit India Movement. Under the leadership of Gandhi Ji, this Movement played a major role in freeing India from colonial rule. Today, India is saying in one voice:
Corruption Quit India.
Dynasty Quit India.
Appeasement Quit India.”
Special Service and Features
Sea ranching of the green tiger shrimp Penaeus semisulcatus under the Central Sector Scheme component of 'Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana' 
A total of 6.8 million green tiger shrimp seeds  were sea ranched at Mandapam, Koyilvadi  on 7th September, 2023 under the Project entitled "Sea ranching of Green tiger shrimp  Post Larvae  in Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu" funded by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt. of India under the Central Sector Scheme component of the PMMSY. The shrimp seeds were released by Shri. M. Sivakumar, Assistant Director of Fisheries and Fisherman Welfare, Mandapam, Fishermen Association Leaders in the presence of Dr. K. Vinod, Head, Dr. G. Tamilmani, Principal Investigator of the project, Scientists and staff of Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI. The fishermen thanked the Government of India and ICAR-CMFRI for such an initiative and expressed that this activity will be helpful in replenishing and enhancing the green tiger shrimp stock in the wild. A total of 75.34 million green tiger shrimp seeds were sea ranched in Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar since the inception of the Project . The sea ranching programme was coordinated by Dr. B. Johnson, Senior Scientist of the Centre.
Ministry of Defence
FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited  had concluded a contract with Government of Mauritius on 17th January, 2022 for export of one Advanced Light Helicopter  Mk III and associated deliverables. The total contract value is 17.670 million USD . As per the contract, the delivery was to be completed by 18 months, whereas HAL completed delivery ahead of schedule.
The HAL has got adequate infrastructure and experienced manpower in its facility at Bengaluru and also have well-developed ecosystem to execute the export orders in time bound manner. Further, HAL has augmented its infrastructural capability by opening a new facility  at Tumkur, Karnataka.
Subject to strategic considerations, domestically manufactured defence products are being promoted through Lines of Credit/Funding including the platforms/systems from HAL. Government of India also offers indigenously manufactured platforms/systems on grant basis to Friendly Foreign Countries  including the platforms/systems from HAL. Defence Attaches have been mandated for handholding of Indian defence companies, including HAL, in execution of their defence contracts. Defence Attaches are also provided with financial support to promote indigenous defence platforms.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri M Shanmugam in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India reaches another peak of highest single day recoveries
68,584 recover in the last 24 hours
26 States & UTs report higher than 70% Recovery Rate
Matching the achievement of highest single tests of more than 11.7 lakhs in the last 24 hours, India has scaled another peak of success.
India has registered the highest recoveries in a single day. 68,584 COVID-19 patients have recovered and been discharged in the last 24 hours. This has led to a surge in the total number of recovered patients which is nearly 30 lakh .
With this, India's Recovery Rate amongst the COVID-19 patients has crossed 77% . The number of recovered patients has outpaced the active cases  by more than 21.5 lakh.
The recovered patients have increased to more than 3.6 times the active cases, as on date. The record high recoveries have ensured that the actual caseload of the country viz. the active cases, has reduced and currently comprises only 21.16% of the total positive cases.
Focus on improved and effective clinical treatment in hospitals, supervised home isolation, use of non-invasive oxygen support, improved services of the ambulances for ferrying patients for prompt and timely treatment, upgradation of clinical management skills of doctors treating COVID-19 patients by active technical guidance through tele-consultation sessions of AIIMS, New Delhi, use of steroids and anti-coagulants, etc., have together resulted in seamless efficient patient management.
These measures have ensured that India’s Case Fatality Rate  is maintained below the global average . Witnessing a decline every day, it stands at 1.75% today.
For all authentic & updated information on COVID-19 related technical issues, guidelines & advisories please regularly visit: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ and @MoHFW_INDIA.
Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be sent to technicalquery.covid19[at]gov[dot]in and other queries on ncov2019[at]gov[dot]in and @CovidIndiaSeva .
In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no.: +91-11-23978046 or 1075 . List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri launches Aero India 21 website; Space Booking Opens for Asia's Largest Aeroshow
The 13th edition of Aero India-21 will be held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka from 3rd to 07th February 2021. Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh launched the Aero India 2021 website https://aeroindia.gov.in at New Delhi today giving the go ahead for space-booking.
Aero India 2021 website will be a contactless online interface for Asia’s largest Aeroshow and host all online services related to the event for both the exhibitors and visitors besides hosting informative content about Ministry of Defence’s recent policies, initiatives as also product profile of indigenous aircraft and helicopters. Raksha Mantri conveyed his best wishes for the success of the event.
Exhibitors will be able to register and book space online as per their requirements on a first-come first served-basis, and make all payments online on the Aero India website. Exhibitors can avail early bird discounts by booking space on the website before 31 October 2020.
Business and other visitors will be able to buy their tickets online on the website for visiting the show from 3rd-7th Feb 2021 during both business and public days. Media intending to circulate their publications as also media persons will be able to register on the website for coverage of the event. A query redressal and feedback mechanism has been incorporated in the website wherein exhibitors and visitors will be able to send their queries/comments. The health protocols that will be implemented to ensure a safe event will also be available.
The website will be interactive and aims to provide the first of the numerous contactless experiences at the show and will help build the participants' confidence towards the event being cognizant and in conformance with prevailing pandemic related guidelines and safeguards.
It may be recalled that during his recent visit to Russia in his bilateral discussions, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh referred to the Aero India-21 show and invited participation of defence ministers and industry delegations of Russia and the central Asian Republic countries.
Secretary  Shri Raj Kumar and other senior officials of the MoD were also present on the occasion of the launch of the website.
ABB/Nampi/KA/DK/Savvy/ADA/SK
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Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his Jayanti.
The Prime Minister said, "भगवान बिरसा मुंडा जी को उनकी जयंती पर शत-शत नमन। वे गरीबों के सच्चे मसीहा थे, जिन्होंने शोषित और वंचित वर्ग के कल्याण के लिए जीवनपर्यंत संघर्ष किया। स्वतंत्रता आंदोलन में उनका योगदान और सामाजिक सद्भावना के लिए किए गए उनके प्रयास देशवासियों को सदैव प्रेरित करते रहेंगे।"
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Dr. Virendra Kumar assumes charge of Minister of State for Minority Affairs
Dr. Virendra Kumar today assumed the charge of Minister of State for Minority Affairs in the presence of Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Union Minister of Minority Affairs. Speaking on this occasion Dr. Virendra Kumar said that the skill development of minority communities will be our priority.
Dr. Virendra Kumar is the member of Lok Sabha from Tikamgarh . He is 6th time Lok Sabha member .
Dr. Kumar was born on 27th February 1954 and is Post Graduate in Economics and PhD in Child Labour from Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar.
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Ministry of Defence
Air Marshal Amit Dev VSM takes over as the Director General Air 
Air Marshal Amit Dev VSM, graduated from National Defence Academy in December 1981 and was commissioned in the Indian Air Force, in the fighter stream of Flying Branch, on 29 Dec 1982.
He has flown various types of fighter and trainer aircraft in the inventory of IAF and has approximately 2500 hours of flying experience. He is an alumnus of Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment, Defence Services Staff College, College of Air Warfare and National Defence College.
In his 36 years of illustrious service, he has held important field and staff appointments that includes command of a fighter squadron, Air Defence Direction Centre, an operational fighter base and Advance HQ, South Western Air Command. He has served as Joint Director Tactical Operations, Director Air Staff Inspection, Principal Director Air Staff Inspection and Assistant Chief of Air Staff , at Air HQ. The Air Officer was Air-I of Central Air Command and Chief Staff Officer  at Strategic Forces Command.
He was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff in 1995 and awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service in 2010.
He is married to Mrs Seema Dev and they have two sons.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Impact of Organic Foods on Fertilizer Industry
Government of India has been promoting balanced and judicious use of fertiliser in conjunction with organic fertiliser, bio fertiliser on soil test based recommendations. All India Consumption of major fertilizers namely Urea, DAP, MOP, Complexes and SSP, during the years 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 was 536.11 LMT, 543.83 LMT and 562.09 LMT respectively. The consumption of fertilizer depends on many factors namely, fertility of soil, availability of moisture in soil. Further, overall area under organic farming in the country in comparison to the gross cropped area is very less hence would not impact the chemical fertiliser industry though requirement of bio fertiliser would grow.
The demand of organic food is growing due to being chemical free and hence more safe. In order to encourage the use of organic/ bio fertilisers, Government of India has been promoting organic farming under two dedicated schemes namely Mission Organic Value Chain Development North Eastern Region  and Parampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana  since 2015 through State Governments.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
UP Singh to be the New Union Water Resources Secretary
Shri Upendra Prasad Singh, IAS  presently holding the charge of Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga has been appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. He will succeed Dr. Amarjit Singh, IAS  who will superannuate on November 30, 2017.
Samir/SKP/JK/IA
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Ministry of Science & Technology
2D nanoflakes of material extracted from iron ore can protect sensitive optical equipment from light-induced damage
Nanoflakes of a material called hematene extracted from iron ore have been found capable of withstanding and acting as shield from high laser intensities. Hence it could be used to make devices called optical limiters that can protect sensitive optical equipment from light-induced damage.
Radiation from laser sources is highly concentrated and powerful and can be detrimental to sensitive equipment such as sensors, detectors, and other optical devices. When the input intensity increases optical limiters control the amount of light that passes through, thereby preventing damage to the optical component. These devices are often useful in laser technologies, military, telecommunications, aircrafts, and scientific research in several ways.
The MESO  Group of the Department of Physics, Sanatana Dharma College, Alappuzha, in collaboration with the Ultrafast and Nonlinear Optics Lab of the Raman Research Institute, Bangalore, has come up with a new and highly efficient optical limiter using a novel 2D material, ‘hematene’.
They found that 2D nanoflakes of hematene, a material extracted from iron ore or hematite are capable of withstanding very high laser intensities, and they exhibited excellent optical limiting of green laser light  while maintaining a high linear transmission  for low-intensity light.
The nanoflakes of lateral dimensions less than 10 nm, prepared by applying ultrasonic waves to hematite in liquid medium  for a definite period to exfoliate the 2D nanoflakes of hematene were also found to be highly stable after year-long storage under ambient conditions, indicating tremendous potential as an optical limiter for futuristic applications.
This research work carried out at SD College using the instrumentation facility procured through the Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure  programme of the Department of Science and Technology  programme, was recently published in ACS Applied Optical Materials.
Link to the article: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsaom.2c00071
Link to the cover page: https://pubs.acs.org/toc/aaoma6/1/3
Copyright © 2022 American Chemical Society 
Copyright © 2022 American Chemical Society
Ministry of Power
State governments advised from time to time for filling up vacancies in State Electricity Regulatory Commissions: Union Power & NRE Minister Shri R. K. Singh
Section 82 of the Electricity Act, 2003 empowers State Government to appoint Chairpersons and Members of State Electricity Regulatory Commission . The details of the State-wise vacancy position in SERCs as provided by Forum of Regulators  is at Annexure.
The Central Government has advised the State Governments from time to time to take all necessary steps for filling up the vacant posts of Chairpersons/Members in concerned SERC within stipulated time as per provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003.
ANNEXURE
STATUS OF VACANCIES IN STATE ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSIONS 
[ STATUS AS ON : 31.03.2023 ]
|
|
S. NO.
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|
NAME OF SERC/JERC
|
|
POST
|
|
VACANT POST
|
|
1.
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh State Electricity Regulatory Commission 
|
|
Chairperson
|
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1
[ Chairperson : Since 01-01-2020 ]
|
|
2.
|
|
Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission 
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|
Chairperson
+
2 Members
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|
1
[ 1 Member : Since 08-08-2021 ]
|
|
3.
|
|
Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission 
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|
Chairperson
+
2 Members
|
|
2
[ Chairperson : Since 10-01-2023 ]
AND
[ 1 Member : Since 10-01-2021 ]
|
|
4.
|
|
Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission 
|
|
Chairperson
+
2 Members
|
|
1
[ 1 Member : Since 08-10-2021 ]
|
|
5.
|
|
Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission 
|
|
Chairperson
+
1 Member
|
|
1
[ 1 Member : Since 01-01-2023 ]
|
|
6.
|
|
Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission 
|
|
Chairperson
+
2 Members
|
|
1
[ 1 Member : Since 05-05-2022 ]
|
|
7.
|
|
Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission 
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|
Chairperson
+
2 Members
|
|
1
[ 1 Member : Since 05-10-2022 ]
|
|
8.
|
|
Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission 
|
|
Chairperson
+
2 Members
|
|
1
[ Chairperson: Since 17-04-2019 ]
|
|
9.
|
|
West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission 
|
|
Chairperson
+
2 Members
|
|
1
[ 1 Member : Since 29-04-2022 ]
This information was given by the Union Minister of Power Sh. R.K. Singh in the Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s meeting with a group of leading US Health experts
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met a group of leading US experts from the health sector, today, in New York, USA.
Prime Minister and the experts discussed various matters pertaining to the domain of health including use of digital technologies for quality healthcare, greater focus on integrative medicine & better healthcare preparedness.
The details of experts who participated in the interaction are as under:
• Dr. Peter Hotez, Founding Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine, Texas
• Dr. Sunil A. David, CEO of ViroVax based in Texas
• Dr. Stephen Klasko, Advisor to General Catalyst
• Dr. Lawton R. Burns, Professor of Healthcare Management, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
• Dr. Vivian S. Lee, Founding President, Verily Life Sciences
• Dr. Peter Agre, Physician, Nobel laureate and molecular biologist, at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.